FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2008

DC SHOWS ITS FLOWER POWER WITH NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

The nation's capital blooms a postcard-perfect shade of pink this spring during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. In its 96th year, the festival runs March 29-April 13, commemorating the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the people of Tokyo to the people of DC in 1912. More than one million residents and visitors will be dazzled by more than 200 cultural performances, nearly 100 special events, and of course, the breathtaking Yoshino cherry blossoms. Festival traditions, including the 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival on March 29, as well as the Sakura Matsuri Street Festival and the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival on April 12, will also take place.

DC's hotels join in the excitement, offering fantastic packages with a cherry flair available exclusively at Washington.org. Book a Weekend Celebration Package at the St. Gregory Hotel and Suites' during the National Cherry Blossom Festival and receive deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two, a Sunday champagne jazz brunch for two at M Street Bar & Grill, complimentary parking, plus a special "Cherry Blossom Cocktail." Packages start at just $189 a night, or upgrade to a Jr. Suite for an additional $20 each night. (Prices include gratuities; taxes not included.)

The luxurious Fairmont Washington, DC's Cherry Blossom package includes overnight accommodations for two, complimentary valet parking and a box of beautiful cherry blossom note cards. Offered March 29-April 20, the package starts at just $219 a night (excluding tax and gratuities). Or, book a room between March 21 and April 20 at the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC and enjoy overnight accommodations, valet parking, a trio of cherry treats and breakfast for two at Café MoZU. Rates start at $335 a night for a deluxe room with views of the Tidal Basin (excluding tax and gratuities).

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off Saturday, March 29 with the Family Day and Opening Ceremony at the National Building Museum. Kids can watch classic Japanese children's dances, listen to folk music performed on the koto, dress up in traditional Japanese clothing and make souvenirs to take home. The activities run from 10 am to 3:30 pm, before the Festival's official Opening Ceremony begins at 4 pm, featuring performances by Kenny Endo, the Tateshina High School Jazz Club (Japan) and the Howard University Jazz Ensemble.

Bike and Roll offers a great way to get an up-close view of the beautiful blooms while learning about the nation's capital. The "Blossoms by Bike" tour takes peddlers of all levels around the scenic Tidal Basin as guides share the history of monuments, memorials and the cherry trees. The two-hour tours are offered weekdays at 3 pm and weekends at 9:30 am, noon and 3 pm. The cost for adults is $32; for children 12 and under, it's $22, including bike rental, helmet, bottled water and a snack.

Visitors can explore the gorgeous blooms on foot with Washington Walks' ever-popular Cherry Blossoms Secret Stroll. Morning tours will take place April 4, 7 and 11 at 10 am; afternoon tours are held March 29 and 30 and April 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 2 pm. The cost is $10 per person. Kids age three and younger are free. Reservations are not required and tours are held rain or shine.

Blossom-watchers can create their own souvenirs by taking part in a festival-themed Washington Photo Safari led by photography expert, E. David Luria. New and experienced shutterbugs alike can shoot from the city's best locations, including a secret spot on the Tidal Basin. Afternoon cherry blossom safaris are offered daily March 29-April 13 at the Tidal Basin from 3-5 pm; the cost is $54 per person. Early risers can catch the sunrise safari from 6:15-8:30 am, offered April 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. The cost is $59 per person.

Digital camera owners can learn tips from professional photographer Melanie Otto on the All-Digital Cherry Blossom Sunrise Special safari. Offered April 1, 4 and 10 from 6:15-9 am, the digital safari teaches aspiring photographers macro settings for intimate blossom close-ups, file compression and white balance usage, fill flash, filtration, tripod use and how to solve tricky exposure issues. The cost is $89 per person and includes a light breakfast. Reservations are required for all safaris.

Restaurants also get into the spirit of the National Cherry Blossom Festival by serving up Cherry Picks, or blossom-inspired and cherry-infused sweets, savories and cocktails during the course of the festival. Check the DC Dish section of this newsletter to learn more.

For more cherry blossom information, visit Washington.org/cherryblossom.

# # #